Build for GFs dad

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kumquat

Supreme [H]ardness
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Dec 7, 2005
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General use computer, dual boot XP and Ubuntu. Wants to play Doom 3.

CPU $115 Microcenter Intel Core 2 Duo E4500
RAM $48 Newegg A-data 2GB kit, DDR2-800
MB $90 Newegg Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L
Video $65 Newegg HIS Hightech X1650 Pro 512MB
Case $56 Newegg Cooler Master RC-330-KKR1
PSU $0 Included with case
HD $65 Fry's 320GB SATA
Optical $35 Newegg DVD-RW


Total $474


Thoughts?
 
Rule of thumb: NEVER use the power supply that comes with a case unless it's an Antec. The PSU that comes with that coolermaster case only offers 10A on the +12V rail, way way too low for any kind of system these days.

I recommend getting any of these PSU/Case setups:

Cooler Master Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $40
XClio Goodpower 500W PSU - $50
----
Total: $90

OR:
Antec NSK4480 ATX Case - $68 (Comes with Earthwatts 380W PSU)
Antec Sonata III ATX Case - $106 (Comes with Earthwatts 500W PSU)

Also, what size monitor does your GF Dad have?
 
Danny Bui said:
Rule of thumb: NEVER use the power supply that comes with a case unless it's an Antec. The PSU that comes with that coolermaster case only offers 10A on the +12V rail, way way too low for any kind of system these days.

I recommend getting any of these PSU/Case setups:

Cooler Master Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $40
XClio Goodpower 500W PSU - $50
----
Total: $90

OR:
Antec NSK4480 ATX Case - $68 (Comes with Earthwatts 380W PSU)
Antec Sonata III ATX Case - $106 (Comes with Earthwatts 500W PSU)

Also, what size monitor does your GF Dad have?
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That extra $60 or so is hard to justify. The reviews seem to indicate that the power supply works fine.

Even if not, there has to be some way to get a quality case + PSU for under almost $100. That's ridiculous.
 
Not really on topic, but I'd reccomend just getting a Dell or something. Building a machine for a GF or anyone related always sucks if the relationship doesn't work out ;)
 
RangerSVT said:
the one for $68 will do the trick and it's only a few bucks more
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Indeed it will, especially since it has 27A on the +12V rails.

@OP: New systems pull MOST of the power from the +12V rail, therefore its important to have a good PSU that provides power where its needed. 10A on the +12V rail isn't enough for any modern desktop PC, IMO.

versello said:
Not really on topic, but I'd reccomend just getting a Dell or something. Building a machine for a GF or anyone related always sucks if the relationship doesn't work out ;)
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I agree. Unless you want to be his tech support or he knows not to rely on you for tech support, go with a Dell deal. Check gotapex.com for dell deals.
 
versello said:
Not really on topic, but I'd reccomend just getting a Dell or something. Building a machine for a GF or anyone related always sucks if the relationship doesn't work out ;)
Click to expand...
I wouldn't let him get a Dell, and he would not ever buy a Dell.

This relationship isn't in danger of not working out.

Thanks for the relationship advice, though.
 
enginurd said:
II agree. Unless you want to be his tech support or he knows not to rely on you for tech support, go with a Dell deal. Check gotapex.com for dell deals.
Click to expand...

I do want to be his tech support. Not that he needs it. The guy knows Linux pretty well and could probably pass the A+ test with his eyes closed.

You guys really, really need to stop with the assumptions and answer the questions asked.

Thanks.
 
Well, what other quesitons do you have? We've already established that that PSU combo was bad and recommended a better setup. Also, you haven't answered my question about what size monitor does your GF have? Also, what's the total budget for this build?
 
Danny Bui said:
Well, what other quesitons do you have? We've already established that that PSU combo was bad and recommended a better setup. Also, you haven't answered my question about what size monitor does your GF have? Also, what's the total budget for this build?
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He has a 17" CRT. Why did you ask about that, though? That's kind of a weird question.

Budget is $500.

My question was indeed answered. I'm going to go with the Antec. I appreciate the help :)
 
The size of the monitor tells us what's the highest resolution your GF's Dad has. Knowing the resolution lets us know/decide which video card will perform best at the highest resolution possible on your GF Dad's monitor.
 
Danny Bui said:
The size of the monitor tells us what's the highest resolution your GF's Dad has. Knowing the resolution lets us know/decide which video card will perform best at the highest resolution possible on your GF Dad's monitor.
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Ah, I see. He's not much of a gamer. Just wants to play Doom 3 for some reason :p
 
That X1650 you listed would do nicely, a 7600GT, or a 8600GT would also do well as long as he doesnt mind turning off some eye candy. :)
 
kumquat said:
You guys really, really need to stop with the assumptions and answer the questions asked.
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As Danny mentioned, the questions were answered. I think you need to read posts more thoroughly, because nobody assumed anything.

Don't take offense when someone suggests a pre-built. They're very cost effective and we had good reason for the suggestion. Just say that you don't want one and we can move on.

Doom3 is old, so any of the cards Gen.Ben mentioned will do fine on a 17" CRT.
 
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